(2026) Q&A
1. A patient is experiencing the natural physical decline brought about by increasing age. The
nurse documents this as:
A) Senescence
B) Senility
C) Gerontology
D) Pathological aging
Correct Answer: Senescence
Rationale: Senescence refers to the natural physical decline brought about by increasing age,
a normal and inevitable biological process. Senility is an outdated term implying cognitive
decline, gerontology is the study of aging, and pathological aging refers to disease-related
changes.
2. According to Arnett, which developmental period is characterized by identity exploration,
instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and a sense of possibilities?
A) Adolescence
B) Emerging adulthood
C) Early adulthood
D) Young adulthood
Correct Answer: Emerging adulthood
Rationale: Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood describes a distinct period from roughly
ages 18 to 25 characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between,
and a sense of possibilities. Unlike Erikson, Arnett places identity formation in emerging
adulthood rather than adolescence.
,3. A nurse is assessing a patient in emerging adulthood. Which statement by the patient
indicates a common struggle during this period?
A) "I have everything figured out."
B) "Most of my friends are already settled."
C) "I struggle with knowing who I am and what I want."
D) "I have no concerns about my future."
Correct Answer: "I struggle with knowing who I am and what I want."
Rationale: Most emerging adults struggle with identity exploration, however, adults
gradually master it as their cognition matures. This period is characterized by uncertainty and
exploration, not a sense of having everything figured out.
4. Which individual is most likely to be an STI vector?
A) A 45-year-old married individual
B) A 22-year-old emerging adult
C) A 60-year-old retired individual
D) A 15-year-old adolescent
Correct Answer: A 22-year-old emerging adult
Rationale: Emerging adults are most likely to be STI vectors due to higher rates of sexual
activity with multiple partners, inconsistent condom use, and lack of regular screening. The
phenomenon contributing to worldwide spread of STIs is increased international travel.
5. What is the correct sequential progression of intimacy according to developmental theory?
A) Self-love, same-sex friendships, opposite-sex friendships, romantic love
B) Romantic love, self-love, opposite-sex friendships, same-sex friendships
C) Same-sex friendships, opposite-sex friendships, self-love, romantic love
D) Opposite-sex friendships, self-love, same-sex friendships, romantic love
, Correct Answer: Self-love, same-sex friendships, opposite-sex friendships, romantic love
Rationale: The correct sequential progression of intimacy begins with self-love, then same-
sex friendships, then opposite-sex friendships, and finally romantic love. This sequence
reflects the expanding circle of intimacy from self to others.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient who recently experienced the end of a romantic relationship.
The patient says, "I know I am a good person. My partner is just upset right now because
things didn't work out." This patient is using:
A) Denial
B) Projection
C) Cognitive restructuring
D) Reaction formation
Correct Answer: Cognitive restructuring
Rationale: Cognitive restructuring involves changing the way one thinks about a situation.
The patient is reframing the breakup as the partner's issue rather than a personal failing,
which is an example of cognitive restructuring. Denial would involve refusing to accept the
breakup.
7. Traditional models of formal operational thinking value _____ thought and devalue _____
thought.
A) dualistic; relativistic
B) relativistic; dualistic
C) concrete; abstract
D) abstract; concrete
Correct Answer: dualistic; relativistic